4 Places to Grab a Gluten Free Bite in the East Bay

It’s really not easy to be gluten free. Last year my girlfriend was diagnosed with Celiac disease and it turned our normal pattern of life upside down. As commuters, we were used to being able to stop and pick up food on the way home when we were too tired to cook. Having to go gluten free was difficult, but we eventually found a stable of eateries here in the East Bay that cater to our dietary needs. Whether you have Celiac, a gluten intolerance, or just want to stay gluten free for the health benefits, we’ve got four great places to have a gluten free meal.

And hot it is: This trendy little spot in Pleasanton offers a chic, family-friendly environment that serves breakfast and lunch. Their double-decker sandwiches include the Three-Cheese Jalapeño Grilled Cheese, featuring cheddar, brie, and swiss, which is absolutely heavenly.

Did we mention that all of their sandwich and toast options are available gluten free? Your friendly server will even ask you if you have Celiac disease to ensure there is absolutely no contamination. Your non-gluten free friends and family can enjoy a beer with their meal and an artisan marshmallow, too. For breakfast, we highly recommend the Avocado-Egg Toastini. So simple. So good.

Here’s one where you don’t have to make any substitutions or special requests. Everything served at Grease Box is gluten free.

And, oh, the things you’ll eat! Grease Box’s current menu includes burgers, sandwiches, and fried chicken and waffles. No one can explain the pure joy of having legitimately tasty fried chicken once you’ve gone full-on gluten free.

So, of course, that’s what we recommend you take on if you manage to find your way into this quaint and upbeat Oakland stop. They also have a new Duck Egg Cobb Salad that’s supposed to be to-die-for.

Come in early for a cocktail at the bar before nestling into the cozy, chic atmosphere of the main dining room. Once there you’ll find that the gluten free selections live proudly on the main menu in their own section (a rarity in the gluten free community). We highly recommend the spicy Peking Chicken or the Broccoli Beef.

Sometimes you just want a greasy burger. No frills. No knives. No lettuce wraps. You want bun and burger.

Franchise operation SmashBurger knows it, so they give you what you want. After partnering with Udi’s (think the gluten free version of Hostess) a few years back, SmashBurger became one of the first chains in America to cater to the gluten free needs of the masses.

Waltz into any SmashBurger and you’ll be able to grab a bacon cheeseburger on one of the most delicious and satisfying gluten free buns you’re likely to find.

We recommend the local area favorite, the Bay: a baby arugula and sautéed mushrooms-topped burger with aged swiss and truffle mayo. Pair it with the (also gluten free) rosemary dusted SmashFries, and you’ve got one hell of a fast food fix.

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